Saint John the Baptist before Herod and Herodias 1500 - 1600

"Saint John the Baptist before Herod and Herodias" is a drawing by Morazzone, also known as Pier Francesco Mazzucchelli, depicting the biblical story of the beheading of John the Baptist. Completed sometime between 1500 and 1600, the drawing uses red chalk and features a dynamic composition with many figures, highlighting the dramatic moment in the story. This work is a preparatory drawing, offering a glimpse into the artist's creative process and serving as a study for a larger, more finished work. It is currently part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection in New York, showcasing the artist's skilled handling of light and shadow, creating a sense of depth and realism within the composition.